The rapid evolution of flexible wearable electronics has spurred a growing demand for energy storage devices, characterized by low-cost manufacturing processes, high safety standards, exceptional electrochemical performance, and robust mechanical properties. Among novel flexible devices, fiber-shaped batteries (FSBs) have emerged as prominent solutions exceptionally suited to future applications, owing to their unique one-dimensional (1D) architecture, remarkable flexibility, potential for miniaturization, adaptability to deformation, and compatibility with the conventional textile industry. In the forefront research on fiber-shaped batteries, zinc-based fiber-shaped batteries (ZFSBs) have garnered significant attentions, featured by the promising electrochemical properties of metallic Zn. This enthusiasm is driven by the impressive capacity of Zn (820 mAh g⁻¹) and its low redox potential (Zn/Zn²⁺: −0.76 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). This review aims to consolidate recent achievements in the structural design, fabrication processes, and electrode materials of flexible ZFSBs. Notably, we highlight three representative structural configurations: parallel type, twisted type, and coaxial type. We also place special emphasis on electrode modifications and electrolyte selection. Furthermore, we delve into the promising development opportunities and anticipate future challenges associated with ZFSBs, emphasizing their potential roles in powering the next generation of wearable electronics.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, known for their high energy density, are attracting extensive research interest as a promising next-generation energy storage technology. However, their widespread use has been hampered by certain issues, including the dissolution and migration of polysulfides, along with sluggish redox kinetics. Metal sulfides present a promising solution to these obstacles regarding their high electrical conductivity, strong chemical adsorption with polysulfides, and remarkable electrocatalytic capabilities for polysulfide conversion. In this review, the recent progress on the utilization of metal sulfide for suppressing polysulfide shuttling in Li-S batteries is systematically summarized, with a special focus on sulfur hosts and functional separators. The critical roles of metal sulfides in realizing high-performing Li-S batteries have been comprehensively discussed by correlating the materials’ structure and electrochemical performances. Moreover, the remaining issues/challenges and future perspectives are highlighted. By offering a detailed understanding of the crucial roles of metal sulfides, this review dedicates to contributing valuable knowledge for the pursuit of high-efficiency Li-S batteries based on metal sulfides.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries with the merits of high theoretical capacity and high energy density have gained significant attention as the next-generation energy storage devices. Unfortunately, the main pressing issues of sluggish reaction kinetics and severe shuttling of polysulfides hampered their practical application. To overcome these obstacles, various strategies adopting high-efficient electrocatalysts have been explored to enable the rapid polysulfide conversions and thereby suppressing the polysulfide shuttling. This review first summarizes the recent progress on electrocatalysts involved in hosts, interlayers, and protective layers. Then, these electrocatalysts in Li-S batteries are analyzed by listing representative works, from the viewpoints of design concepts, engineering strategies, working principles, and electrochemical performance. Finally, the remaining issues/challenges and future perspectives facing electrocatalysts are given and discussed. This review may provide new guidance for the future construction of electrocatalysts and their further utilizations in high-performance Li-S batteries.